NASA Opens Applications for New Astronaut Class

NASA is accepting applications for its 25th astronaut class to support expanded lunar exploration under the Artemis program.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Space

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a plain astronaut helmet resting in pale lunar regolith beneath a crescent moon, in deep navy and cream with a red accent. — NASA opened applications on Tuesday for its 25th astronaut class, its first call in two years, as it expands human presence beyond low-Earth orbit toward the lunar surface. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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NASA opened applications for a new astronaut class, its first call in two years, as it works to expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit. Applications are due by December 3, and candidates must be U.S. citizens with college degrees and professional work experience.

Why it matters

NASA says it needs more astronauts to expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit as it prepares to return astronauts to the lunar surface. The call comes after more than 8,000 people applied in the previous round, which ended with 10 candidates making the final cut in September 2025.

NASA's current active corps totals 32 astronauts, and the previous call drew more than 8,000 applicants for 10 final-cut spots. Mandatory training for the new class lasts two years, and the number of selections in this class has not been disclosed.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the U.S. government agency responsible for civil space exploration and the Artemis lunar program.

The details

NASA announced the application call during an air show at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis III crew will launch into orbit next summer to practice docking with two lunar landers built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.

April: Artemis II crew completed a lunar flyaround.
September 2025: 10 astronaut candidates made the final cut.
December 3: Deadline to submit astronaut applications.
Late 2027: NASA expects to make its final astronaut selection.
Early 2028: New candidates are expected to begin training.

Big Picture

The recruitment call extends NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface in 2028 and build the crew pipeline for missions such as Artemis IV's planned south pole landing attempt. This is NASA's 25th astronaut class since 1959.

Qualified U.S. citizens with college degrees and professional experience can apply by December 3 for a chance at a two-year training program. The selected astronauts would support Artemis missions aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface in 2028.

The takeaway

Demand for astronaut roles remains high, with more than 8,000 applicants in the last call, signaling strong public interest in NASA's expanding lunar ambitions.

What happens next

Applications close December 3, with NASA expecting to make its final astronaut selection by late 2027 and new candidates beginning training in early 2028.